ZERO

CARBON FOOTPRINT

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time. Addressing it requires a transition to a low-carbon economy. And, as stated in the Paris Agreement on climate change, business has a key role to play. Our ambition of ZERO carbon footprint aligns with the Paris Agreement’s more ambitious goal of limiting global warming to 1.5 °C.

Devised with the support of external experts at the Carbon Trust, our science-based carbon-reduction targets focus on cutting carbon emissions at our breweries and working with value chain partners to reduce ‘beer-in-hand’ emissions by 2030. Other intermediate targets to 2022 include the promotion of low impact cooling and renewable electricity, and the elimination of coal.

Our approach towards ZERO

The first step towards achieving ZERO carbon emissions at our breweries is world-class efficiency. This means innovating within our existing processes as well as implementing large-scale investment projects. To reduce beer-in-hand emissions, we are forming innovative partnerships, improving performance and taking a leadership role in the industry.

Our detailed road maps to reach these targets are continuously evolving as new solutions and technologies emerge. A key task of the recently formed Carlsberg Young Scientists Community will be to help us develop implementable solutions based on the latest innovations.

Our baseline carbon footprint

The targets set out in Together Towards ZERO are the result of our collaboration with the Carbon Trust.

Their expert analysis provided a carbon footprint of our operations and those of our value chain. It showed that our breweries account for 14% of our carbon footprint, while packaging materials make up 40%, the largest share. Agriculture accounts for 17% and distribution for 14%.

Supporting global goals

With our ZERO carbon footprint ambition, we contribute specifically to two SDGs and several of the targets that underpin them. For example, by increasing the share of renewable energy and improving our energy efficiency, we contribute to SDG 7: Affordable and clean energy.

By setting tough, science-based targets, we support SDG 13: Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts.

Actions towards ZERO

Our first ever carbon neutral brewery

After many years of working to increase efficiency and reduce impacts, Carlsberg’s Falkenberg brewery in Sweden has succeeded in getting carbon emissions from thermal energy and electricity down to zero. The brewery is now 100% powered by biogas and green electricity, providing inspiration to breweries around the world.